Templo Del Tigre - Chichen Itza

Gordon Nicolson

From a series of photographs of pre-Columbian ruins by Gordon Nicholson.

Chichen was a major focal point in the northern Maya lowlands from the Late Classic (AD 600-900) through the Terminal Classic (AD 800-900). The site exhibits a multitiude of architectural styles, remniscent of styles seen in central Mexico and of the Puuc and Chenes styles of the northern Maya lowlands.

When Chichen Itza was first settled it was largely agricultural. During the Central Phase of the Classic Period arts and sciences flourished. It was at this time that Chichen Itza became a religious center of increasing importance. From 800 to 925 A.D., the foundations of this magnificent civilization weakened, and the Maya abandoned their religious centers and the rural land around them. Chichen Itza was visited only to perform religious rites or bury the dead. By the 10th century A.D. they returned to Chichen Itza.